A nine-year-old boy with a respiratory condition was set to fulfil a lifelong dream today –by leading out Sheffield United.

Addison Connor was born with a diaphragmatic hernia, which stopped one of his lungs from developing properly.

The hernia caused his stomach organs to move up into his chest, through an opening in the muscles which allows us to breathe, and he underwent several emergency procedures to treat the condition.

Now, Addison lives life like any other child his age but with the help of an oxygen cylinder to aid his breathing.

Addison, of Conisbrough, a pupil at the town’s Morley Place Junior School, is a huge Blades fan and was invited by the club to lead out the team at today’s FA Cup clash against Plymouth Argyle at United’s Bramall Lane Stadium.

Craig, Addison’s dad, said: “Addison has supported Sheffield United all his life, and we have been to many games, including last year’s FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.

“He has always wanted to be a mascot for the Blades.

“It all started when he saw mascots on TV and he said to me he would love to do it one day.

“His aunt, Kim, wrote Sheffield United a letter asking if Addison could be a mascot for one of their games.

“We were shocked at how quickly the club responded and couldn’t wait to tell him the news that he would be a mascot.

“His eyes lit up when we told him the news and he hasn’t stopped telling everyone since.”

Addison was set to enjoy a VIP tour of the backroom facilities, meet first team players and manager Nigel Clough, be presented with an autographed football by club captain Michael Doyle and have a pre-match kickabout on the pitch.